NIGERIA: Seven worshippers killed in Northern Nigeria mosque collapse

By Edwin F -

At least seven worshippers were killed and dozens more injured when part of a mosque collapsed during Friday prayers in the city of Gombe, Nigeria, on August 12, 2023.


The collapse occurred at the Al-Fatima Mosque in the Gombe metropolis, just as worshippers were observing the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer. The mosque is located in the Dadin Kowa area of the city.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but eyewitnesses said it may have been due to structural defects. Some said that the mosque had been built on a weak foundation, while others said that the collapse may have been caused by heavy rains that had fallen in the area in recent days.

The collapse sent shockwaves through the city, and rescue workers were quickly dispatched to the scene. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where they are being treated for their injuries.

The death toll is expected to rise, as some of the injured are in critical condition. The government of Gombe State has announced a three-day mourning period for the victims of the collapse.

This is not the first time that a mosque has collapsed in Nigeria. In 2014, a mosque in Kaduna State collapsed during Friday prayers, killing at least 20 people. In 2016, a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, collapsed during morning prayers, killing at least 12 people.

These collapses have raised concerns about the safety of mosques in Nigeria. Many mosques are built on weak foundations and are not properly maintained. This makes them susceptible to collapse, especially during heavy rains or other natural disasters.

The government of Nigeria needs to take steps to ensure the safety of mosques in the country. This includes conducting regular inspections of mosques to ensure that they are structurally sound and that they are properly maintained. The government should also provide financial assistance to mosques to help them with repairs and maintenance.

In addition to the government, mosques themselves need to take steps to ensure their safety. This includes hiring qualified engineers to inspect the mosques and to make recommendations for repairs and maintenance. Mosques should also have emergency plans in place in case of a collapse.

The collapse of the mosque in Gombe is a tragedy that could have been prevented. The government and mosques need to take steps to ensure the safety of worshippers in Nigeria.

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